Current Members
Graduate Researchers
Salwa Mahfuz Noha
Salwa Mahfuz Noha is a graduate student in the Master’s of Chemical Science program at KSU. She completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy from BRAC University in Bangladesh. She was a research assistant after her undergraduate studies and participated in several microbiology and public health research projects in her country. The connections among these fields and chemistry led her to pursue chemistry as her future path. Her long-term goal is to work as a researcher in the pharmaceutical industry. Here at the Chakma Research Lab, Salwa will be exploring biomimetic peptoid nanomaterials as a platform for antibacterial applications. In her free time, Salwa likes to cook and read fiction. She also enjoys crime documentaries.
Kyle Whitaker
Kyle Whitaker is a Graduate Student of the MSCB program at Kennesaw State University. He graduated from KSU with his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, having performed computational chemistry research on cyclo[n]carbons and their systems. He and his research team presented their findings at both the Student Symposium in Spring ’24 and SERMACS. Kyle was also a Supplemental Instructor and Learning Assistant (SILA) for organic chemistry in his junior and senior years of his bachelor’s. Kyle plans to pursue a PhD in Organic Synthesis or a related field to pursue a career in academia and run a research lab. Kyle is Florida-born but Georgia-raised and spent much of his younger years in South Georgia. Kyle has served in the Georgia Army National Guard in emergency management. In his free time, Kyle likes to cook and bake a variety of dishes. He enjoys a good game of billiards and exploring the great outdoors.
Undergraduate Researchers
Lily Schwartz
Lily Schwartz is currently pursuing a degree in biochemistry at KSU. She has a strong interest in organic synthesis and biochemistry. At Chakma Research Lab, she is exploring stimuli-responsive peptoid nanomaterials for sensing applications. After graduation, Lily plans to obtain a PhD and become a medicinal chemist. Outside of school, Lily enjoys playing video games, swimming, hiking, and caring for her pet snake, Kiwi.
James Henriques
James Henriques is a sophomore chemistry student at Kennesaw State University pursuing a concentration in pharmaceutical chemistry. He has a strong interest in organic and synthetic chemistry and is currently gaining hands-on research experience with the Chakma Research Lab. After graduation, James plans to attend graduate school or pharmacy school to further pursue his interests in chemistry and medicine. Through his academic coursework and research, he aims to develop a strong foundation in chemical synthesis and contribute to meaningful scientific work. James will be exploring biomimetic peptoid materials for biomedical applications. Outside of academics, James enjoys listening to music, playing video games, and traveling to different countries to experience new cultures and destinations. A fun fact about him is that he has a fraternal twin brother.
Aideh Nintin
Aideh Grace Nintin is originally from Côte d’Ivoire . Here, at KSU, she is majoring in Biology. Her goal is to become a pediatrician, with the long-term mission of contributing to improving the healthcare system in Côte d’Ivoire. In addition to medicine, she is very passionate about chemistry. Aideh will be exploring peptoid nanomaterials in the Chakma Research Lab. Outside of academics,she enjoys music and dancing, which help her relax and recharge.
Maria Casco Hidalgo
Maria Casco Hidalgo is a second-year Biochemistry major at Kennesaw State University. She has an interest in pursuing a career in medicine, with hopes of attending medical school and specializing in pathology. As a way to relax, Maria enjoys drawing on medium-sized canvases with acrylic paint and finds joy in delving into mixed media art. If you spend enough time around her, you will also see her make origami of dinosaurs and cranes. Here at the Chakma Research Lab, Maria will be working on synthesizing and designing peptoid nanomaterials for biomimetic applications.
Jonathan Gill
Jonathan is a sophomore, majoring in chemistry, with the intention of pursuing a PhD in the Field. Jonathan will explore polymer and materials chemistry at KSU and the Chakma Research Lab. In his free time, he enjoys baking and cooking, as well as completing various challenging puzzles.
Edhereveno Crown
Edhereveno Crown (Veno) is a 1st year biochemistry major at Kennesaw State University, pursuing the premed pathway. Her future goal is to become an OB-GYN, as she is very passionate about women’s health and medicine. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading and playing the guitar.
Makayla Youmans
Makayla Youmans is a first-year chemistry major with an Integrative Chemistry concentration at KSU. She is interested in product development, chemistry research, and Korean language study. She has a strong passion for UV gel nail products and loves doing her own nails. In her future career, she aims to bridge her passions and interests by developing more efficient UV gel products utilizing polymer chemistry. When not in school, she enjoys playing volleyball, video games, and making art with recycled materials.
Tania Juarez
Tania is currently a sophomore majoring in chemistry and minoring in Spanish with an emphasis in integrative chemistry. She aspires to pursue a career in dentistry, where she can combine her passion for science with her desire to serve diverse communities. Outside of school, Tania enjoys rock-climbing and making art.
Joel Samuel
Joel is majoring in chemistry with a concentration in pharmaceutical sciences. He hopes to attend graduate school for a career in pharmacy. His ultimate goal is to become a pharmacist, focusing on the research, development, and improvement of medicines. In his free time, Joel enjoys playing tabletop games with friends or playing tennis.